Crashed the '06

[junktionfet]

Due to projects at work I haven't had a chance to post anything about this. Two Sundays ago I had a little low-side with my '06 VFR. Fortunately my only injury was some missing meat on my knee (was wearing jeans). My gloves and airbag jacket protected everything else really well. After I stopped sliding, I jumped up on my feet immediately.

I rode the bike to the ground. It slid on its right side for a bit before hitting the shoulder and flipping over. The nose fairing and right fairing are rashed, as is the engine side cover. The rear brake pedal is shaved all the way down and the front brake lever is bent. Bar end is also rashed, etc. Tail section is straight and plastic back there is perfectly in tact. The flip to the left side broke off the left mirror and put some stress fractures on the left fairing.

Overall it's an expensive repair job, but the bike is still rideable (I rode it home), except the brakes are little tricky with the damaged controls. I'll get her back on the road, as good as new. In the mean time, we're going through a bit of a cold and rainy spell here so riding has been out of the question. At least I still have the RC to ride around while the VFR is getting fixed.

I'll post pictures later (can't upload them right now)

[Y2Kviffer]

Sorry to hear about this, glad you could walk away. Were you out solo or with the NCS crew? One of these days we'll have to do another lunch get together and hopefully a ride too.

[derstuka]

Sorry to hear about your mishap. I am glad to hear that you are ok though. Like you said, at least you have the RC to ride while you fix up the viffer.

Can I ask, what type of "airbag" jacket did you have? Was it the "hitair" brand one?

[jasonsmith]

Sorry man, I know how ya feel. Take it from me, don't worry about getting it fixed just fix it.

[drewl]

Drag, dude. Glad you're OK.

[Scubalong]

I feel your pain Bro....... I go thru the same mishalf and it take me a lon long time to heal

[junktionfet]

Originally Posted by Y2Kviffer

Were you out solo or with the NCS crew?

With the NCS crew, coincidentally in your neck of the woods I think... some road off of 54 in Chapel Hill.

Originally Posted by derstuka

Can I ask, what type of "airbag" jacket did you have? Was it the "hitair" brand one?

ImpactJackets. I think they are an American re-branding of MotoAir jackets. Worked as advertised. My lid never even slid on the ground thanks to the neck cushion that inflated.

[Nungboy]

Ooh! Sorry to hear it but glad you are not more seriously injured. (I suggest riding pants, not jeans...and leather is best. I've been there in jeans!).

How did the low side occur? We can all learn from it.

[junktionfet]

I foolishly entered an unfamiliar turn too hot. Because of my position in the pack I couldn't really judge anyone else's entry speed. As soon as I got into it, I felt the right peg scraping, then I saw the radius tighten up just ahead of me.

If I had used more finesse or gotten my ass off the seat a little more, I maybe could've made it. But I just wasn't set up right nor was I prepared for the nature of the curve. I knew I didn't want to high side, so as the turn tightened up, I just pushed the bars harder until finally I reached "maximum" lean :)

It was rider error for sure. My tires are worn out and I thought I'd give them one last ride. I can't blame them though. It was all (or mostly) on me.

[Nungboy]

Thanks for the details. That really is helpful...it shows how easily one can get into trouble, especially when riding with others. Good luck with the repairs...anb but some good pants!